The Nationals released pitchers Shawn Estes and Eddie Guardado, reports MLB.com's Bill Ladson.
The Nats had signed Estes, 37, to a $600K minor league deal on February 6th. Estes tossed one spring inning for the Nats. In June, Estes said he'd retired from Triple A but not from baseball. He posted a 3.07 ERA, 4.9 K/9, and 3.3 BB/9 in 73.3 minor league innings for the Dodgers' affiliate.
The Nationals added Guardado in late December. The 39-year-old had considered retirement, but decided his knee could handle the rigors of another season. Guardado had this to say to Ladson after he signed: "The Nationals came at me like they really wanted me." Instead, Everyday Eddie was given only two innings to prove his worth (during which he allowed seven hits). Last year for the Rangers he posted a 4.46 ERA, 4.7 K/9, and 3.5 BB/9 in 38.3 innings. Guardado rejoins a list of free agent lefty relievers that includes Joe Beimel, Alan Embree, Ron Mahay, Glendon Rusch, and Jamie Walker.